From bedside care to system-wide change, this conversation traces how clinical experience can drive research and health equity impact. In this episode of the Smart Care Team Spotlight, Dr. Bridgette Rice, Associate Dean for Research and Innovation at Villanova University, discusses her journey from neonatal intensive care nursing to becoming a nationally recognized researcher and leader focused on health equity and vulnerable populations. She explains that patient experiences, particularly those related to mental health and social determinants of health, inspired her to use research as an advocacy tool to drive meaningful change. Bridgette shares both optimism and caution about AI in healthcare, stressing that technology must be developed responsibly, inclusively, and with human oversight. She also offers advice to emerging nurses and researchers about following their passions, embracing unexpected opportunities, and using every experience as a stepping stone for future impact. Tune in for insights on health inequities, community-driven research, and the opportunities and risks of AI in care! Resources: Connect with and follow Dr. Bridgette Rice on LinkedIn. Follow Villanova University on LinkedIn and explore their website!